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But here’s the real deal: it’s not the ponytails that stylists hate – it’s the lack of style! When you’re lazily throwing your hair up and looking like you’re going to the gym when you’re not, stylists cringe. They hate to see that someone doesn’t care about their hair!

Caring about your hair doesn’t mean you need to spend hours primping, though. Of course it’s unreasonable (not to mention impractical) to sport a glamorous updo for day-to-day life. In real life, people need an easy way to look styled when in a rush. And thus enters the ponytail. But not the gym pony, no way. Let us introduce you to the styled pony – an acceptable (and recommended) alternative to its lazy sibling.

The key to the wavy pony is lots of volume and texture. In term of getting the right texture, this is a perfect look for day-after-washing hair, especially if you already have it in a wavy or curly style. If that’s the case, it’s as easy as spraying in some dry shampoo at the roots to pump it up and use a product to freshen up your texture, like Schwarzkopf’s Moisture Kick Conditioning Spray or Eufora’s Curl ‘N Spray Revitalizer. If you’re starting with freshly washed hair, apply a volumizing mousse and dry your hair with a round brush. Set your hair in about six hot rollers and use hairspray – this will give an easy, uneven wave to your hair with lots of movement.

When pulling it back, add some lift at the crown by slightly twisting your hair on either side, pushing it up and then pinning the twists in the centre, suggests Remo, co-owner of Haartek. You might also start a braid (just two or three plaits) and pin it, eliminating the need for a hair elastic. If you find that your curls are falling too flat, you can always fix individual waves in the pony with a curling or flat-iron.

If smooth and shiny your style, the flat-iron is your best friend! After washing, apply mousse and a heat-protecting serum and blow dry your hair with a round brush. Flat-iron your hair in small sections and add a shine serum afterwards (Haartek is a big fan of Eufora’s Beautifying Serum and Kevin Murphy’s Young.Again). Whether you want a sleek low pony or a higher voluminous one, try wrapping a section of hair around the elastic as a chic way to add style!

Last but not least, we still can’t get enough of the messy braid. This is hands-down better than a tired ponytail and because it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s just as easy! Use a shine serum and a texturizing spray before braiding and make sure to leave a few loose tendrils – the messier the better.

As we’ve said before, unless you’re actually going to the gym, there’s no excuse to look like you’re going to the gym. We promise, it doesn’t have to take hours, so show your hair some love!

Have you ever gotten that itch? No, I’m not talking about a rash, silly. I’m talking about that itchy feeling you get when you’re bored with your look. You want to change something but you don’t know how. And sometimes it’s just not possible to do something drastic. And other times you really just want something different only for a day or two.

Well, my lovelies. I have news for you: A change of style doesn’t always have to be drastic or permanent.

Here are Haartek’s top five ways of changing up your look temporarily:

1. ACCESSORIES

From headbands to fascinators, hair accessories are majorly in-trend. And we’re not talking about little girl barette or bauble hair ties – these are accessories full-grown women are not afraid to rock!

Try a headband with a flower detail or the feather or glitter extension craze for a bit of flair that you can remove anytime.

2. GO KINKY

Are you tired of your normal hair texture, be it straight or curly, but you don’t have the time or patience to weld a styling tool? Well, why not texture while you sleep? Wash your hair before you go to sleep and put it in a loose braid. When you wake up your hair will be mostly dry and have amazing loose waves when you take out the braid. Use a beach texturizing product like Kevin Murphy’s Hair Resort spray and you’ll have a chic, gorgeous, un-done style with little effort! Don’t want to go to sleep with your hair wet? Braid your dry hair in the morning and run a flat-iron over the plait and get the same look!

3. USE THOSE TOOLS

While beach hair is brilliant in the summer, if you want a way to change-up your texture going into the fall, brandishing a flat-iron or hot rollers is the way to go! If you have curly hair, try going straight for a couple of days. If you have straight hair, try using the flat-iron for curls or setting it with hot rollers. There are countless online tutorials for using these tools (here’s our own Carla demonstrating flat-iron curls) and your stylist would be happy to teach you as well.

An important thing to remember when using hot tools is to always use a heat-protection serum or spray before applying heat to prevent any damage!

4. GO FAUX

Who said you have to be stuck with the length of hair you have? Certainly not me! If celebrities can appear to have short hair one day and long hair the next, why can’t you? And no, I’m not talking about costly and permanent extensions (though, those are an option). I’m talking about rockin’ the faux look. Celebrities with long hair have been tucking and pinning their long hair under, creating the illusion of a bob – a faux bob, if you will. Alternately, those who already have a bob can use clip-in extensions to add length temporarily or to add a pop of colour (think bright purple).

5. COLOUR FOR A DAY

Do you wish you could partake in the pastel hair trend but are just to chicken to make the committment (or have a job that wouldn’t allow it)? Well, your wish will soon be granted. In the fall, Kevin Murphy will release Color.Bug, a temporary hair colour (think applying eye shadow to your hair) that adds body as well. It will come in pink, purple and orange and will last until you wash it out… so you can have crazy coloured tips for the weekend and be back to normal for the office by Monday. Sounds pretty sweet to me.

So now you know five simple ways to change your style, even just for the weekend! Go crazy… at least a little. Why not, right?

In honour of Amy Winehouse, this post is dedicated to that fantastically big, teased and lacquered hair that none but her could pull off quite the same in modern times (though, some would argue she didn’t quite pull it off). Yes, we’re talking about that crazy mass of hair atop her head – the beehive.

Most popular in the 1960s, the beehive was created by Margaret Vinci Heldt in Chicago. An award winning stylist and salon owner, Heldt was asked in 1960 by Modern Beauty Salon magazine to design a new hairstyle that would reflect the coming decade. It originated as a variation of the pageboy and bouffant styles that were elaborately teased and hairsprayed and was also given the name B-52, as it resembled the bulbous nose of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber. The style has been modeled by Dusty Springfield, The Ronettes and Joanna Lumley (in Absolutely Fabulous) amongst others, and has made its way back into fashion in Chanel shows and on modern celebrities.

Here’s a mix of retro and modern beehives that we can’t get enough of. Are you bold enough to fashion this ‘do for a special occasion, or even everyday?

One of the best things about hair is that styling options are abundant. You can colour, highlight, straighten, curl, cut, braid, extend and pin-up your hair if you so please, and changing the style every once in a while is a really fun and easy way to update your look and express yourself.

Hair accessories add another dimension to playing with your hair. Cheaper and more temporary than many salon services, accessories are more popular than ever and there have been several big trends this summer. One of our favourites, however, is an easy way to add colour, fun and a bit of edge to your hair.

Sported by Steven Tyler, Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff and Jennifer Love-Hewitt, to name a few, feather extensions have caught on like wildfire. Cheaper than highlights, natural or brightly coloured feathers add dimension, interest and flare to your hair. And the best part? They’re natural and reusable – when you’re ready for a change, you can take them out and save them for next time!

The feathers come in various widths and lengths and can be brushed, blow-dried, straightened and curled like natural hair (although it is not recommended to be rough with them) and are applied using a bead and clamping method. They are made of all-natural rooster feathers and depending on how you treat them, they can stay in for up to two months.

If you want in on this trend, however, you may have to do some searching. Because the feathers are from roosters and traditionally used on fly-fishermen’s lures, the supply of these feathers cannot keep up with the demand, but fear not… stylists won’t let those fishermen hog them all. Anyway, who said fashion and fishing couldn’t mix?

The long weekend is here. And chances are, you’re spending time in the (hopefully) beautiful, sunny weather… preferably on a beach in Muskoka.

It’s no chance that this summer’s top hair trends like braids and messy top knots are perfect for a laid back cottage weekend. Here are some tips for cute, low maintenance hair styles, whether you’re enjoying a beer on the dock or having fun in the water.

Tie it up

Forget the boring ponytail this weekend and go for something a bit more fun – the top knot! Extremely low maintenance, the top knot only takes seconds and ensures your hair is out of your face while you’re having fun in the sun… plus, it’s perfect for the-day-after-washing hair! And with helpers like Goody Spin Pins, all it takes is for you to twist your hair into a bun, insert the pins, and you’re ready for the beach!

Braids

Braids have been hyped enough in past posts that you get the hint why we love them. Because it’s “the messier, the better”, they’re perfect for the beach, the boat or the campfire. Plus, you can wear a cute hat to protect your colour from fading and your face from getting sunburned! Our fav? The messy, side fishtail braid.

Beachy Waves

What could be more low maintenance than embracing your natural texture and letting your hair down? Textured, beachy waves are super sexy, trendy and perfect for lounging around the cottage. The key to success if you aren’t lucky enough to be frolicking in an ocean? A texture spray like Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray or KMS Sea Salt Spray. Psssssst… Wanna know a secret? These products are also perfect to add texture to your top knot or braid.

So now you know our favourite styles for the cottage. But even though your hair should be low-maintenance over the weekend, don’t forget you still need to take care of it! Bring a leave-in conditioner with UV protection to prevent your colour from fading and your hair from drying out in the sun. And if you don’t have a shower? Bring some dry shampoo to add oomph and texture to your summer style. No matter what your plans are for the long weekend, show your hair some love!

The question, “Should you wash your hair everyday?” will be debated until the end of time. Or until the human race evolves into a bunch of baldies. Either way.

The thing is, there is no definitive answer to the question, no matter how many people emphasize either “yes” or “no”. Just like there are different body types, there are different hair types. Some people are blessed with thick hair that just doesn’t seem to look oily, even after a week – an obscene amount of time to those of us with baby fine manes who cringe in the mirror the day after washing, looking at flat, listless hair.

I'll bet Giselle doesn't have to wash her hair everyday. Curses!

“There’s no rule,” says Tasso, a Director at Haartek. “It depends on the person’s hair and scalp. Some hair you have to wash everyday. It’s whatever your hair needs.”

And these days, if you’re being good to your hair and using salon products that have no sulphates and leave little residue, washing often is not going to damage or strip the hair.

However, if you’re on the fence about whether you can go a few days without washing or if you need a quick way to freshen up your hair, dry shampoo just might be an option for you!

Most of the ladies working at Haartek think dry shampoo is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Originally invented for hospital patients who couldn’t wash their hair, dry shampoos are usually matte sprays that soak up excess oil, add texture and bulk, add volume at the roots and leave the hair smelling and looking refreshed. How could anyone be against that?

So for those lucky ones that don’t need to wash their hair everyday, dry shampoo is a quick way to give their hair that extra oomph in the morning. And for the unlucky everyday washers like me, the good thing is there is a way to refresh our hair quickly right before a night on the town or after working out. “It’s really great for a girl on the run,” Tonya, a receptionist at Haartek, says. “Just spray it on your roots and shake it up and you’re good to go!”

Our favourite dry shampoos at Haartek? KMS Makeoever Spray and Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair really do the trick! And they both smell great.

KMS Makeover Spray

Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair

I was once an unbeliever when it comes to dry shampoo. I thought all of them were gross and powdery that left a residue that looked anything but fresh. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and have changed my tune. It really does the trick when it comes to adding body and texture after the gym or a long day at work. While it will never replace washing my hair daily normally, I will sure bring a can to my cottage on the long weekend. Maybe I’ll even share it. Maybe.

It’s almost the end of June and wedding season is well underway, but are you a bride-to-be that has no clue what to do with her hair on the big day? Fear not! That’s what blogs like these are for!

Whether your hair is short or long, curly or straight, the creativity and skill of your stylist will ensure that you find the perfect ‘do for your wedding! Doing your research is important too, however. Have a look at the cornucopia of wedding magazines and websites for style inspiration – this will give you an idea of the hairstyles you like… and give a reference for ones you hate.

Once you have an idea of the style you think will suit your type of wedding, the most important step is booking a consultation with your stylist. If possible, find a quiet day at the salon where your stylist can dedicate a couple of hours to trying several different styles on you. Bring in any pictures of hair you like and accessories you may use to help the stylist create what you have envisioned. The consultation is especially important if you plan on using extensions – the stylists needs time to order the right kind and you may have to colour them to match your hair.

“It’s a big day and you want it to be perfect ,” says Stylist Olivia. “You want to eliminate any stress you can the day of, and knowing exactly what your hair will be like will do that. Especially if you are using extensions or accessories!”

Here are a few of our favourite bridal styles, from boho to princess, to help inspire you for your big day!

When summer rolls around, you notice a new bounce in people’s step, more smiles and a genuine happiness when the sun is out. Not to mention the obvious transformation in fashion. But it’s not just people shedding layers and rocking chic sandals to show of their pedicured footsies; when the hot weather comes, people dare to be different with their hair. And how we love the summer change!

Summer is a great time for a hair makeover. And the more drastic the change, the more fun! Think about it. Come springtime, you probably think about getting lighter highlights for summer, or getting a fun and easy-going cut that can work for both the office and the cottage, and that will save you from the dreaded “Thermal Hair” (think heavy, poofy hair that makes you feel like you might as well be wearing a snowsuit and toque when you wear it down in the heat… that’s Thermal Hair.) You want to avoid that dreaded phenomenon as much as possible, right? Cue the summer makeover!

“This Thermal Hair is killing us!”

Most good salons offer free consultations with a stylist, so if you’re considering a summery change but aren’t really sure about what you want or if you’re ready, book 15 minutes to go over your inspirations and options. Bring in pictures of anything and everything that you think you’d like to have and your stylist can advise you on what would work best with your hair type, face shape and colouring.

Are you the impulsive type? Look through some magazines to give the stylist a general idea of the look you want to go for, book an appointment and take the plunge. Hair styles are meant to change and summer is the perfect excuse!

Have you always had long, straight hair? Try adding some texture and movement with layers… maybe even go shorter! Try a texturized lob or bob. Already have one and are adventurous? Go for a pixie! Think about whether you have your hair in a ponytail or away from your face the majority of the time. If you do, you probably have confidence showing off what is likely great facial structure. The moral of the story? You won’t be self-conscious with a shorter, off-the-face ‘do! You should also ask your stylist to work with your natural texture so that your style is easy to maintain in the summer. Afterall, who wants to spend time with a blow dryer when it’s 35 degrees outside?

Summer is also a great time to play with your colour. Add in some sunkissed highlights or go for a drastic change like this season’s red trend. But if you’re adding colour, make sure you protect it from the sun with products that have built-in UV protection to make it last.

Although a lot of us take our hair very seriously and are wary of any drastic changes, taking on a whole new look can be one of the most fun and easy ways to enjoy summer. And losing some bulk by adding layers can make a big difference in the Thermal Hair situation. You know the old stylist saying, “If you wear your hair pulled back most of the time, you won’t miss it when it’s gone”? How true that can be in the hot hot summer heat.

There’s just something special about beautiful, wavy hair – almost something better about it.

It’s not straight… it’s not curly… it offers the best of both worlds: extra fullness and bounce, but a polished look as well. You can dress waves up, or go beachy casual for weekends or day-to-day.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. With naturally wavy hair comes frizz. And if you have straight hair, it’s too much effort. So how can you get effortless, envy-worthy, shiny waves?

If you already have naturally wavy hair and just want to enhance it all you need are a few great hair products, a blow dryer and a diffuser. Techniques for the perfect wave vary slightly from person to person, but here are a few tips from our stylists!

Debra and Lan, Associates at Haartek, share their secrets for full waves:

3) Apply mousse to wet hair – make sure you use enough product or you won’t have the desired effect – and comb through evenly. Kevin Murphy’s Body Builder is a great mousse. Debra prefers a curl enhancing product like KMS Curl Up Creme.

4) Lean forward and blot with a towel again.

5) Dry with a diffuser, going section by section, spending 30 seconds on each, then repeating until you get the wave you want.

Both Debra and Lan agree that in order to get great waves, the less you touch and disturb your hair, the better!

And to keep your waves going throughout the day, it’s important to refresh your hair with a revitalizing product or even with just water, according to Susan, a Director at Haartek. She is a big believer in wetting your hands with water and running your fingers through the waves to keep down the frizz. “It also helps to reactivate the existing product that’s in there. Schwarzkopf’s Moisture Kick Conditioning Spray and Eufora’s Curl ‘N Spray Revitalizer are great as well,” she says.

If you want that beachy texture, products like Kevin Murphy’s Hair Resort and KMS Sea Salt Spray are great to use before diffusing in addition to a mousse for a messier look.

This is all well and good if you have a natural wave to enhance, but what if you want volume and wave for the day after washing or if you have straight hair? Associate Carla demonstrates on how to get the look with a flat iron.

So don’t be a slave to flat, straight hair. Embrace any wave you have and enhance it for the summer. If you can’t actually be sitting at the beach with a soft breeze blowing through your ocean tousled hair, at least you can look like it!